Daily average cases of COVID-19 are slowly starting to increase in Joplin. Over the last 2 weeks, the city has documented 576 new cases, that a rise of nearly 11 percent. One month ago, Joplin was experiencing about 33 and a half new cases per day. As of Saturday, the cities health department reported just over 43 new cases per day. Almost a 30 percent increase from January to December. As of Saturday, Joplin had 290 active cases, in addition to 96 COVID-19 related deaths. The next scheduled free testing through the state will take place next Friday, January 22, at Access Health Care on South Maiden Lane from 9 AM until 1 PM. This testing is open to all Missouri residents. You can learn more and register for the free testing in Joplin on January 22 at health.mo.gov/community test